Gender sections in Higher Education in Spain: proposals for action

Abstract

In 1857, the Law of Public Instruction ("Moyano Law") established that elementary education was compulsory and free, for both boys and girls. However, it introduced differences in its academic training, as a consequence of the tasks and functions assigned to each sex, thus having an impact on women's access to the university. The fundamental principles of this law remained in force until the end of the 20th century. After the Second World War, International Organizations began to struggle with inequalities between women and men. Spain has a legal framework in favour of equality between both genders, but if analyzed, we see that there are barriers that are not explicitly contemplated in the legal system, but they are present in practice, which perpetuate discrimination against women. With this article we analyse the gender discrimination sections that currently persist in Higher Education in Spain, as well as the incoherence between legislative development and daily practices in universities, aiming to achieve real equality between women and men. Discrimination against women is evident in access to higher-level academic roles (such as Chairs), as well as to management (rectorships), due to the persistence of gender discrimination in the university education system. Finally, proposals are made to eradicate gender discrimination and violence against women in universities, throughout its structure.